When it comes to prisons, Alcatraz is among the most famous in the world. It hasn’t held a prisoner since 1963, but the name is still synonymous with maximum security prisons. This federal penitentiary was legendarily impossible to escape from and housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the world. There are so many stories tucked away inside this island fortress. It’s really no wonder that it’s considered to be one of the most haunted places in Northern California.

First things first: Alcatraz simply looks terrifying. It's an island two miles off the coast of land, and it's almost impossible to escape from.
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Some of the most infamous criminals in history were imprisoned there: Al Capone, James "Whitey" Bulger, and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.
Alcatraz has not been open as a prison since 1963. It's now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is managed by the National Park Service. With a reserved ticket, visitors can access the island and even go inside the prison.
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This place is more than a little spooky. Even if you don't believe in ghost stories, it's tough to not feel a chill while walking through Alcatraz.
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Visitors report hearing moaning and crying coming from now-empty cell blocks.
Alex Light/Flickr
Could it be possible that the souls of prisoners are trapped here, just as living humans once were?
Jennifer Boyer/Flickr
One of the most famous ghostly residents at Alcatraz is Abie Maldowitz, nicknamed "The Butcher." In life, he was a hitman who ended up murdered by a fellow prisoner in the laundry room at Alcatraz.
taihung chien/Google Maps
Medium Sylvia Browne toured the prison in the 1980s and claimed to feel the spirit of the Butcher.
Even today, Alcatraz is such a haunting place filled with a sense of loneliness and entrapment. Many don't believe in ghosts, but spirits or not, this is definitely among the most creepy places in Northern California.
Jeffry/Flickr

Have you visited Alcatraz? Did you have any paranormal experiences while there? Share your experiences in the comments!

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Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA, USA